Interview with Matthew Prance | UOA Council Student Rep Candidate

University Council Student Rep Elections are on NOW! Vote here! Elections close at 12 pm on Tuesday, 14 October. Check out interviews with some of the other candidates on our website. More on the elections can be found here.

What are you studying at UOA? What’s been your most rewarding and most challenging paper, and what did you learn from each?

I am currently in Part III of Mechanical Engineering.In terms of the courses I’ve finished, so far, I would say the most rewarding course I’ve taken so far is MECHENG 334 (Design and Manufacture 3). It was incredibly fulfilling to take abstract ideas for real-world engineering problems and transform them into practical, well-designed solutions. Not just once, but twice during the course. This experience taught me how to balance creativity with technical feasibility, and showed me how impactful design thinking can be in tackling real-world challenges. The most challenging course has been MECHENG 211 (Thermodynamics), although this year’s version of the paper would say otherwise….. The mathematical and conceptual depth required was demanding, and I initially struggled to keep up. But by dedicating more time to mastering the fundamentals and problem-solving techniques, I developed a deeper understanding of the subject. Additionally, I also developed much stronger analytical skills that have since helped me in many other courses and leadership positions.

Will you remain enrolled and available to serve the full two-year term?

Yes - I intend to remain fully committed. My coming year will be my final year of my bachelor’s (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering, and afterwards I plan to pursue a Master’s in either Aerospace Engineering (1 year) or Public Policy (1.5 years). Even through those transitions, I’m dedicated to serving the full term and representing students.

What should a University’s role be in providing for students' academic and cultural pursuits?

A university should be more than just a place to earn a degree; it should empower students to explore their academic passions, embrace their cultures, and build a strong, supportive community. That means equitable access to resources, celebrating diverse cultures on campus, and fostering an environment where every student feels they belong.

Have you reviewed UOA’s 2026 CSSF budget? Are there any changes you would advocate for?

The CSSF budget needs greater transparency in how those funds are allocated each year, making clear to students exactly what each fee supports. Looking ahead, the 2027 budget needs to ensure that well-being and support services receive sustained or increased funding, especially given pressures from cost-of-living increases. A main priority for the upcoming actionable year would be to carefully review whether student service fees are too high for students with heavy course loads or extra costs (e.g. field trips, labs), and see if offsetting subsidies or waivers are possible. But no matter what, students need to have a real voice in the CSSF decision-making process (e.g. consultation, forums) so the allocations reflect what students value most. And this is where I come in!

If elected, how will you stay visible, accessible, and responsive?

My biggest priority, no matter what, is to ensure that every single student is both (1) fully aware of any changes that are being made and (2) able to participate in the decision-making process. That is why I’ll be leaning hard into open communication and student-driven processes by the use of the university's social media channels (where allowed) to share updates, invite feedback, and post forms so students know how to propose changes or raise issues. These forms and feedback avenues are for students only, so the voice is genuinely from student experience.

How do you stay up-to-date with everything that’s going on at the University?

I make a consistent effort to stay informed by regularly following University newsletters, faculty announcements, and student association updates, while also engaging with peers to hear their experiences and concerns. I maintain strong communication with staff and monitor official channels, combining both top-down information and bottom-up feedback to stay informed and responsive.

Which University Council committee would you most want to follow closely?

I’m especially interested in the Finance Committee because it directly impacts students’ experiences through decisions about fees, funding for support services, and investments in facilities. Transparent and fair financial decisions are crucial for making the university more accessible and reducing the pressures students face.

In 50 words or fewer, what makes you stand out?

The biggest issue that no other candidate is talking about is that students’ voices aren’t being heard enough in key university decisions. If elected, I’d advocate for stronger channels for student input, so decisions made by the University Council take into account what every single student actually needs and wants.